By: Nick Gambino
My father in-law, Jerry, has made it his mission in life to keep the family up to date with the newest and coolest in tech gadgets. This year we all received the Google Cardboard virtual reality headset.
I’ll be honest, I didn’t know much about the Google Cardboard. I had heard that it existed which is about where my knowledge of it ended. Upon opening, it looks as though it’s something that can be constructed for about $1.43 (and it probably could). It mainly consisted of cardboard (as one would expect something titled “Google Cardboard”) as well as a couple of rubber bands, some bi-convex lenses, velcro and magnets.
There were no instructions on how to put it together, I guess because it’s almost self-explanatory in its design. But me being construction-impaired I had to look up three YouTube videos and four articles before I was able to put it all together.
Two hours and 142 pulled-out hairs later, I had it completed! I downloaded the accompanying app, inserted my iPhone and settled in, with no real expectations. What came next surprised the cynic in me.
I selected the Welcome Video and was instantly transformed into a series of unique worlds. One moment I was in a museum, the next in a jungle with an ape swinging towards me and the next exploring the depths of the ocean.
And the thing was, it felt like I was really there! Who would have guessed some flimsy cardboard and bi-convex lenses could create a superb virtual reality experience? It reminds me of a science project you might have put together in the 5th grade but instead of just winning first prize and a pretty ribbon, Google scooped it up and started selling it to the masses, a few bucks a pop.
The Google Cardboard app allows you to experience Google Earth locations through VR and a few other neat demos like a kaleidoscope (which is actually pretty damn cool, like an acid trip sans acid). But to really get into the VR experience Google Cardboard has to offer you’ll need to download some other apps.
The Cedar Point roller-coaster app is pretty cool if you want to experience the action of a charging roller-coaster complete with all of the dips and corkscrews. Make sure to use a pair of good headphones to really transport yourself to the VR world.
If you’re into horror movies, there’s a great Insidious VR app that’ll have you quaking in your boots up until the very end. For this you’ll have to definitely make sure you’re wearing headphones.
There’s a Discovery VR app which has cool 360-degree VR videos like Spacewalk Mayday where you experience what it’s like to go on a space walk to repair a satellite when things suddenly go wrong.
But easily the best app I’ve come across so far is Vrse. Unique videos abound in this app. My favorite are two Saturday Night Live videos where you are able to sit in the audience of the SNL 40th Anniversary Special amongst all your favorite celebrities. By looking around you get a unique view of what goes on behind the scenes of a fast-paced TV show.
For only a few bucks Google Cardboard delivers the goods. It works as a great stop-gap while we wait for the Oculus Rift to hit the market some time in the next 3 months. And just in case you need a little more convincing, check out this grandma using the Google Cardboard to experience her first roller-coaster ride.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Nick Gambino is a regular script writer and tech beat reporter for NewsWatch. He lives in Northern Virginia with his wife and daughter.
Vrse is fantastic. I also like the NYT VR app with The Displaced, Star Wars with Jakku Spy, InCell VR, and Street View. If you’re on Android, then also try Titans of Space and Cardboard Camera.
I discovered your site site on google and check some of
your early articles. Continue to keep up the very good operate.
I simply added up your rss. Seeking forward to studying more from you later on!
This really answered my problem, thankyou!
Way cool! Some extremely valid points!
Spot on with this write-up, I truly feel this excellent site needs a great deal more attention. I’ll more likely
be returning to see more, thanks for the info!
Good article and straight to the point.
Nice post. I learn something new and challenging on sites I stumbleupon on a daily basis.
It will always be exciting to read through content from other authors and
use a little something from other web sites.
Judi Togel online http://dewi4d.org/
Things i usually do not understood is actually how you’re not actually a
lot more neatly-preferred than you may be now.
You might be very intelligent. You know therefore considerably with
regards to this matter, made me for my part imagine it from numerous numerous angles.
Its like men and women don’t are involved unless it’s one important thing to do with Girl gaga!
Your own personal stuffs great. Always take
care of it up!
Oh my goodness! Amazing article dude! Many thanks, However
I am experiencing difficulties with your RSS. I don’t know the main reason why
I can’t sign up to it. Could there be anybody else having identical RSS problems?
Anyone that knows the remedy is it possible to kindly respond?
Thanks!!
I found myself suggested this website by my cousin. I am uncertain whether this post is authored
by him as nobody else know such detailed about my trouble.
You’re amazing! Thanks!
I was once recommended this internet site by means of my cousin.
I’m not sure whether this put up is written through him as nobody else recognise
such specific approximately my problem. You are incredible!
Thanks!
When someone writes an piece of writing he/she retains the thought
of your user in their/her mind that the way a user can know it.
Therefore that’s why this article is outstdanding.
Thanks!
Its like you read my mind! You seem to know so much about this,
like you wrote the book in it or something. I think that you can do with a few pics to
drive the message home a little bit, but instead of that, this is fantastic blog.
A fantastic read. I will certainly be back.
After considering a few of the articles on the website, I actually like
your technique of writing your blog. I added it to my bookmark webpage list and will also be checking back soon. Take a look at my
site too and tell me your opinion.
Greetings from California! I’m bored to tears at your workplace thus
i made a decision to browse your website on my iphone
during lunch break. I enjoy the information you provide here and can’t wait to take a look when I
go back home. I’m amazed at how fast your blog loaded on my cellphone ..
I’m not using WIFI, just 3G .. Anyways, really good blog!